One Good Deed

Michael Geary (Steven Cox) enters his bathroom, his hands drenched in blood, and slowly begins brushing his teeth as memories of his past flash before him. It's revealed that Michael lives a double life as both a criminal thug for Arizona gangster Vincent Raikkonen (Eetu Karvonen), as well as a loyal and loving partner with his girlfriend Jan Halverson (Ariel Pascual). For a time, Michael is able to successfully keep his shady career a secret from Jan, but as Vincent's deadly tasks grow increasingly more intense, and Jan and Michael officially become engaged, the burden on Michael's heart continues to grow heavy. After killing one of Vincent's targets, Michael finally decides to tell Jan all of his dirty secrets in a local coffee shop. However, Jan surprises Michael with the gift of a stuffed teddy-bear named 'Pat The Messenger', and reveals that she's always known that Michael was involved. Michael apologizes for his deception, and Jan encourages him to give up the life of crime. Michael however refuses, saying there is no way out of this life. A short time later, Michael is summoned before Vincent after completing another task, and Vincent claims that Michael's loyalty has been tested. Vincent has his men bring in a battered and bruised Jan before Michael, whom Vincent kills as a punishment for Michael breaking his silence. Michael fights back and kills Vincent and his men. The flashbacks end, revealing it to be Jan's blood on Michael's hands. Michael grieves for the death of his fiancée, and discovers the stuffed teddy-bear 'Pat The Messenger' nearby. Inside the bear he discovers a love letter from Jan, proclaiming her complete loyalty to Michael for all time. This short film by Christopher M. Cline and TEAM 48SHIRE received honorable mentions at Grand Canyon University, and received 2nd Place for 'Best Picture' in the Arizona Student Film Festival. A SHOW-BIZ NETWORK PRODUCTIONS special project.